Kurdistan: Impact on United States Foreign Policy for the Middle East

This paper examines the past, present, and potential future of the Kurdish struggle for recognition and independence and their potential impact on U.S. policy in the region. The relationships within the Iraqi central government, internal Arab-Kurd conflict, and the development of a separate economic base in Northern Iraq could have a critical impact on U.S. vital interests in Iraq. The disruption of stability and security in Turkey and Iran by Kurdish opposition groups further complicates relations between the United States and Iraq. How will Kurdish economic development affect relations within Iraq and among Iraq, Turkey, and Iran How will Kurdish economic development affect relations between those three countries and the United States Will a desire for influence in the region by Turkey and Iran affect U.S policy in the region This paper answers these questions and explores potential U.S. policy options for the region. Right now, the highest priority of the United States is the prevention of a breakaway independence movement by the Kurdistan Regional Government KRG. While the United States believes that all nations capable of sustaining independence should be given the right and opportunity to do so, the disruption and instability in the region that would accompany such an act cannot be allowed at this time. Increased use of diplomatic pressure, economic aid, and even the threat to withdraw support to Iraq must be considered to prevent Kurdish independence. The United States, in conjunction with the United Nations Mission to Iraq UNAMI, must continue to push for negotiated solutions to Arab-Kurd tensions. Although the constitutional and legal aspects of the tensions are internal to the GOI-KRG relationship, the U.S.UNAMI experience will help to guide the process.